This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" analyzes the types of budget preparation that are used in school districts across the United States. The chapter proposes as a basic premise that the budgetary process is inherently political, and states that some budgeting methods may provide more useful political information…

A general example of a computerized program budgeting model includes the major elements along with the primary benefits. Names are provided of contact persons at six school districts that have implemented this type of program. (MLF)

The zero-based curriculum model can help school boards and administrators make decisions about what to keep and what to cut. All instructional programs are ranked and judged in categories ranging from required to optional. (MLF)

This paper represents a backdrop from which to consider the development of a planning and budgeting model for local education agencies. The first part of the presentation describes the demands and external pressures that affect resource allocation decisions in school districts. The ability of local school officials to link the cost consequences…

These materials from Beaverton Schools, District Number 48 (Oregon) provide an annual program review process within the context of the regular planning and budgeting processes. Information obtained from the review process (an analytic and decision-making process) is intended to serve as a basis for determining what program levels should be…

A school district's governing board, superintendent, and business manager should work as an effective fiscal policy team with good communication. This self-assessment guide is designed to assist in the overall evaluation of fiscal policy team communication. Four sections (budget development, budget monitoring, financial reporting, and…

This annotated model outline provides guidelines for writing a plan for using computers and related learning technologies in schools. It is consistent with the components of the Merrimack Education Center's technology applications planning process, and can be modified to accommodate additional components and special school district requirements.…

Designed to rate the degree of implementation and quality of all the major components of a computer applications program, this checklist may be used by school district staff to support a self-assessment process, or by an external consultant, to identify elements of the program that need improvement or further development. The following components…

Designed to help school districts move from exploring the use of computers in the classroom to the comprehensive planning and development of computer education programs, this guide is organized around five steps essential to the process of developing a district program. Phase 1 includes the following preliminary activities involved in planning for…

A questionnaire which school districts in California were asked to fill out in an effort to determine the scope of responsibility and authority they feel is delegated to the district superintendent by the governing board is presented. The form asks them to check whether the superintendent has (1) complete authority; (2) authority, but must inform;…